Will Nico & Vinz’s “Am I Wrong” Be 2014′s Song Of The Summer?

Slip on your shades, grab a glass of lemonade and check back each weekday over the next week and a half as we present you each Song Of The Summer contender.

If you’re an avid follower of Idolator, then it should come as no surprise that we have a soft spot for European musicians. Our latest favorite hails from Norway, whose current international smash we cannot seem to get out of our heads. Newcomers Nico & Vinz may have just made their debut stateside, but they quickly made an impact on the airwaves — and just in time for our Song Of The Summer competition!

The pop duo (comprised of Nico Sereba and Vincent Dery) have already made a name for themselves in Europe. They’re now gaining more buzz in North America thanks to the breezy “Am I Wrong“ off their upcoming sophomore album Black Star Elephant. Like their fellow contenders MAGIC!, it took a little while for them to receive widespread media attention. But don’t be fooled; with this new song, Nico & Vinz are definitely up for the challenge of owning the summer.

Back in 2012, the duo (who then went under the name Envy) released their debut album The Magic Soup And Bittersweet Faces, which peaked at #37 on the Norwegian album charts. After having some success throughout Europe, they decided to re-brand themselves and take on North America. “Am I Wrong” was previously released overseas last April and landed at the #2 spot in Denmark, Sweden and their home country of Norway.

Nico & Vinz — “Am I Wrong”

The accompanying music video was then released via Youtube on June 20, 2013. Nico & Vinz had to wait almost a year for their single to finally reach the North American masses. (Do you sense a pattern here? Us folks living stateside are slacking on the international music bandwagon!)

Despite “Am I Wrong” being over a year old, we’re glad it is now getting the attention that it deserves. The song has a soulful tone that has evident roots in traditional African rhythms, yet it also has a twist of Scandinavian Pop. But the true beauty comes in the form of the official video, which was shot in various countries like Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its striking scenes of nature and local communities provide a soothing backdrop for the melodious tune.

As seen with the song’s current #11 spot on Shazam’s Top 100 Worldwide chart, it goes to show that Nico & Vinz’s appeal is ever-growing. “Am I Wrong” has spent seven weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and is currently taking over the chart’s #6 position. It has become a Youtube favorite, with almost 19 million views and counting, and the smash is also hanging out in the Top 10 on the iTunes download chart, where it currently sits at #5.

With its introspective lyrics (“Am I wrong for thinking out the box from where I stay?/Am I wrong for saying that I choose another way?”) and world music-inspired tone, “Am I Wrong” provides a calmer alternative for a relaxing summer playlist.

The song also embodies happiness, freedom and love, which is what summer should be all about. Don’t youagree?

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.